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Over the previous week, greater than 60 bands have dropped out of SXSW in protest of the competition’s ties to the US Military and the protection trade. The competition had largely remained silent in gentle of those cancellations, however at present they’ve addressed the protest on social media after Texas governor Greg Abbott tweeted about the scenario.
In his tweet that linked away to a information article concerning the protest, Abbott wrote: “Bands pull out of SXSW over U.S. Military sponsorship. Bye. Don’t come again. Austin stays the HQ for the Military Futures Command. San Antonio is Navy Metropolis USA. We’re happy with the U.S. navy in Texas. When you don’t prefer it, don’t come right here.”
“SXSW doesn’t agree with Governor Abbott,” the competition’s representatives wrote again in response. “We’re a corporation that welcomes numerous viewpoints. Music is the soul of SXSW, and it has lengthy been our legacy. We absolutely respect the choice these artists made to train their proper to free speech.”
In a thread, they continued:
Throughout the globe, we’re witnessing unspeakable tragedies, the rise of repressive regimes, and the rising unfold of violent battle. It’s extra essential than ever that we come collectively to unravel these better humanitarian points.
The protection trade has traditionally been a proving floor for lots of the programs we depend on at present. These establishments are sometimes leaders in rising applied sciences, and we consider it’s higher to know how their method will affect our lives.
The Military’s sponsorship is a part of our dedication to carry ahead concepts that form our world. In regard to Collins Aerospace, they participated this yr as a sponsor of two SXSW Pitch classes, giving entrepreneurs visibility and funding for probably game-changing work.
We have now and can proceed to assist human rights for all. The scenario within the Center East is tragic, and it illuminates the heightened significance of standing collectively towards injustice.
SXSW kicked off final week. The music portion of the occasion bought underway on Monday, and can run by Saturday. The Austin band Good Appears to be like are one of many newest to drop out of their official showcases on the competition, and lead singer Tyler Jordan mentioned their resolution throughout an on-air tv interview with Spectrum Information 1:
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